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London, Jun 22: A landmark study led by researchers at King’s College London has revealed that excess belly fat, rather than overall body weight, significantly increases the risk of developing psoriasis—a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by red, scaly patches. The findings, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, highlight the critical role of fat distribution around the waist in determining psoriasis risk.
The research team analyzed health data from over 330,000 individuals of White British ancestry in the UK Biobank, including more than 9,000 people diagnosed with psoriasis. Using a combination of traditional measurements and advanced imaging techniques, they evaluated 25 different fat-related body metrics. Among these, central adiposity indicators—such as waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, and total abdominal fat tissue—showed the strongest association with psoriasis risk. Notably, traditional measurements like Body Mass Index (BMI) were found to be less effective predictors.
Dr. Ravi Ramessur, lead investigator from St John’s Institute of Dermatology at King’s College London, emphasized, “Our research shows that where fat is stored in the body matters when it comes to psoriasis risk. Central fat—especially around the waist—seems to play a key role.” This insight could reshape how healthcare professionals identify individuals at higher risk and tailor prevention strategies.
Dr. Catherine H. Smith, senior author of the study, added, “As obesity rates continue to rise globally, it’s essential to understand how different fat distribution patterns affect chronic inflammatory diseases like psoriasis. Our study suggests that central fat contributes to psoriasis risk regardless of genetic predisposition.”
The study also uncovered that the link between abdominal fat and psoriasis risk was particularly pronounced in women, likely due to differences in hormonal and immune responses. However, researchers cautioned that the findings are based on a single ethnic group and may not be directly applicable to all populations. Future studies involving more diverse groups are needed to confirm and expand upon these results.
Experts say the findings underscore the importance of moving beyond BMI and incorporating waist circumference measurements into routine health evaluations for psoriasis risk assessment and management.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on a recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, which analyzed data from over 330,000 individuals of White British ancestry. The findings may not be generalizable to other ethnic groups or populations. Further research is required to validate these associations in broader, more diverse populations. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations regarding psoriasis risk or management.
